Overview

Tea tree oil is an oil made from steaming the leaves of a tree that grows in Australia. Other names for tea tree oil are melaleuca oil or tea tree essential oil.

People may put tea tree oil on their skin to treat a variety of conditions. It's believed that tea tree oil kills germs and fungi. Some ways people use tea tree oil include to treat acne, athlete's foot, lice, nail fungus and insect bites.

Tea tree oil is available as an oil. Companies may add it to skin care products, such as soaps, creams, body washes and lotions. Avoid swallowing tea tree oil. The oil can make you very sick if you eat it.